THE Security Service MI5 has been named on a list of Britain's most gay-friendly employers for the first time.

MI5, which has not always welcomed gay employees out of a perceived fear they could be vulnerable to corruption, was ranked at number 62 in the top 100 list of Britain's best employers for lesbian, gay and bisexual staff.

It is the first time MI5 has appeared in the list compiled by the equality charity Stonewall.

Jonathan Evans, MI5's director general, said there was still more work to be done to make the Security Service "a truly inclusive place to work".

"The Security Service has worked hard in recent years to promote equality and diversity across all areas of its work," he said.

"We are pleased to be recognised by Stonewall, but there is still more we can do.

"We will continue to support lesbian, gay and bisexual staff to make MI5 a truly inclusive place to work."

Ernst & Young topped the list, which is based on a confidential survey of more than 7,500 lesbian, gay and bisexual employees, followed by last year's winners, the Home Office.